A new winter walking trail is coming to a prominent park in Portage la Prairie. Smith Hauling and General Yard Services approached Angie Shindle, general manager of the Portage Regional Recreation Authority in October. 

"We are excited to offer a winter walking path at Rotary Republic Park for the 2022/23 winter season," says Shindle. "It'll be a circumference out of the park and it's going to be roughly about 2 1/2 kilometre trail for walking and running and all of the outdoor activities that you'd like to do around there. 

Shindle explains they typically get several walkers out there throughout the year, so it's just another addition that they'll be able to offer for the community.

With snow having fallen, Smith has already made one route through the park for the trail and they'll continue to upkeep it throughout the winter. They will volunteer their time and equipment for that. 

"We are excited to have it available for people, and just remember that all dogs need to be leashed," adds Shindle. "Please clean up after them and no motorized vehicles are permitted on the pathway. It's just for walking and running."

The path will begin and end right at the entrance to Rotary Republic of Manitobah Park just off River Road behind OM Indian Cuisine Restaurant.